Reflection
Throughout the Information Technology program, I have become more passionate about subjects more than I ever thought I would. I get excited discussing educational issues with my friends and jump at the opportunity to teach a colleague how to use technology in their classroom. This portfolio hosts my best work and artifacts that get me excited about this degree and all it has to offer.
I chose Weebly.com to host my portfolio. I have used Weebly before and felt very comfortable with the user-friendly layout. The toolbar contains every editing task I would want to do to my portfolio. I struggled with the formatting of my artifacts and creating a smooth look throughout the page. Uploading an artifact was easy via Weebly but also seemed to be limited on how one could manipulate the size and shape. I had difficulty with uploading documents and having the size not be too overwhelming or too small. Overall, after playing around with the different editing options I felt that I created my portfolio with a smooth and balanced look.
The literature essays within my portfolio are topics I feel passionate about. I am a big believer that cloud computing and mobile technology are great resources in education. I was excited to write about these topics and research on the many ways both can be used. I also chose to research and write about how technology can help English Language Learners (ELLs). This essay was the hardest one to write for me simply because I did not know much about the topic. I wanted to push myself to find out more about the topic because I do feel like it is an important issue in our education system. As I was working towards my Masters, I also completed my ESOL endorsement through Western Oregon University. Through the endorsement, I learned the many different ways to teach ELLs and the struggles they face constantly. With my research I learned many different ways to help ELL students not only in my classroom but also within the community through technology.
As I was creating my portfolio I continually reflected on how I have met each ISTE-T standard. I can confidently say that the ISTE standards drive me as a 21st century educator and are constantly on my mind as I lesson plan. The technology exposure our students are getting now is greatly different from technology that existed when most of us grew up. With my education from this program I feel that it is my responsibility to start setting an example and pushing for technology awareness in the classroom. I am excited to be a resource within my school and school district. I hope to eventually achieve more of a leadership role within my district that might involve technology in the classroom.
I chose Weebly.com to host my portfolio. I have used Weebly before and felt very comfortable with the user-friendly layout. The toolbar contains every editing task I would want to do to my portfolio. I struggled with the formatting of my artifacts and creating a smooth look throughout the page. Uploading an artifact was easy via Weebly but also seemed to be limited on how one could manipulate the size and shape. I had difficulty with uploading documents and having the size not be too overwhelming or too small. Overall, after playing around with the different editing options I felt that I created my portfolio with a smooth and balanced look.
The literature essays within my portfolio are topics I feel passionate about. I am a big believer that cloud computing and mobile technology are great resources in education. I was excited to write about these topics and research on the many ways both can be used. I also chose to research and write about how technology can help English Language Learners (ELLs). This essay was the hardest one to write for me simply because I did not know much about the topic. I wanted to push myself to find out more about the topic because I do feel like it is an important issue in our education system. As I was working towards my Masters, I also completed my ESOL endorsement through Western Oregon University. Through the endorsement, I learned the many different ways to teach ELLs and the struggles they face constantly. With my research I learned many different ways to help ELL students not only in my classroom but also within the community through technology.
As I was creating my portfolio I continually reflected on how I have met each ISTE-T standard. I can confidently say that the ISTE standards drive me as a 21st century educator and are constantly on my mind as I lesson plan. The technology exposure our students are getting now is greatly different from technology that existed when most of us grew up. With my education from this program I feel that it is my responsibility to start setting an example and pushing for technology awareness in the classroom. I am excited to be a resource within my school and school district. I hope to eventually achieve more of a leadership role within my district that might involve technology in the classroom.